Saturday 3 December 2011

"It's all London, baby! Here we go"

Last weekend, I found myself feeling like Joey Tribbiani did in Friends, Episode 4.32, when they left for London. Like Joey, it was my first trip to London. However, unlike Joey, I don't live half way across the world from the Capital! Which is why a lot of my friends, found it unusual that I had never been. Especially my new found Southern friend, Amy Blanchard (www.bootyshorts-bootyshorts.blogspot.com), who's been to London a fair bit.

The purpose of the journey was to meet award winning journalist, Tanya Gold, who arranged to meet us at embankment for a coffee (hot chocolate) at 17:30. So I and Amy planned to make a day of it. We bought an all-day pass for the train, the tube and buses.

We got into London Victoria at around 11am. Chaos. There was no other word for it. It reminded me of the computer game, the Sims, when you change the fast-forward settings to speed up the game; all your little Sims running around in all directions.

We headed towards the tube. It is literally, a tube. Herds of peoples pushing through the narrow spaces. The tube itself reminds me of a rollercoaster ride. Not so much when you're on it. More the waiting. Everybody’s lined up hoping they'll get a seat; much like you do when you're queuing for the Pepsi max at the pleasure beach. The waiting; the pushing; finally getting a seat; getting off; and then thinking, was it all worth it?

We got into Trafalgar square. This was the moment my tourism behaviour became apparent. I whipped out my £3 disposable camera and started snapping pictures of red buses; shop signs; taxis- it was like i had never even seen transport before!

We got a bus to visit the Camden market. I loved it. Filled with vintage, tack, culture and food. I was in my element. I will defiantly be visiting Camden once January's student loan comes in.

I also visited to Oxford Street; Westminster; the Thames and Embankment. The atmosphere through-out was exhausting. It was so lively; don't be mistaken, it might just of been busy. But the tourist inside of me felt it was lively.

After meeting Tanya Gold, and walking around London all day, I was officially off duty as over-eager tourist, and was ready to go back to being, lazy-as-a-dog student. GET ME BACK TO SOUTHAMPTON AND TO MY BED.

In other words, I loved London, but I defiantly, could not be arsed doing it again. After my visit, I was left feeling sorry for myself in bed for two days. Thank you, British weather, and thank you London.




Will post more photos later, need to get my camera developed.

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